Research Opportunities by Department

Undergraduate Research in the Department of History

Opportunities:

Undergraduate research in the Department of History begins with our
introductory course, His 100, “An Introduction to Historical Methods.”
This course trains students to identify sources, evaluate historical
evidence, and formulate and investigate specific research topics. In
addition, the department offers a variety of research seminars where
students write extensive papers based on original research. A select
group of students are invited to participate in our Honors Program
during their senior year. These students research and write a senior
thesis on a topic of their choice. An honors colloquium, in which
students present their research, serves as the capstone of the senior
year.

In addition to coursework, students can pursue historical research
through internships or our History Opportunities for Undergraduate
Research (HOUR) program. The Public History Internship Program offers
students the opportunity to gain hands on experience in historical
research and preservation. The HOUR Program allows students to
collaborate with department faculty on their scholarly work. Students
may receive either compensation or course credit for their
participation.

How to get started:

Take His 100, “An Introduction to Historical Methods” in your first
or second year. As a History Major you should gravitate towards
seminars, particularly those with a “W” designation, that allow you to
write substantial research papers. If you do well in these courses you
will be asked to join our honors program and write a senior thesis.

Recently Completed Senior Theses:

Brittany C. Carter, “The Cold War as a Transformative Moment in the Emergence of the Modern Black Power Movement”

Nicholas J. Hamlin, “Britain, Bengal, Burton, and Beer: George Hodgson and the Development of India Pale Ale”

David T. Liebers, “Olaudah Equiano and Benjamin Franklin: Self-Made Men of the Atlantic World”